For the second consecutive year, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving will not air on traditional broadcast TV. This is due to Apple acquiring exclusive streaming rights to the beloved Peanuts specials. Previously, these iconic holiday episodes aired on networks like ABC and PBS, but as of 2022, Apple TV+ became their sole home. While Apple allowed some free viewing windows in the past, this year’s Thanksgiving special was available only to Apple TV+ subscribers.
To access the Thanksgiving special or others like A Charlie Brown Christmas, viewers need to create an Apple TV account. However, Apple has made some accommodations for non-subscribers. For instance, A Charlie Brown Christmas will stream for free on the Apple TV+ app on December 14 and 15, as long as users have an account.
Apple TV+ offers a seven-day free trial and features the entire Peanuts library for year-round streaming. Subscriptions cost $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually, with three free months available for new Apple device purchases. While this shift to streaming has been polarizing, Apple continues to focus on driving traffic to its platform by leveraging the nostalgia of these timeless specials.
